Fitness & Exercise

DFSS Satellite Senior Centers serve as a community focal points that connect seniors to social, recreational, economic, and educational resources that enhance the quality of their lives. Center activities may include classes, special events, trips and outings, and recreational activities. The centers serve a hot lunch daily, as part of the department's Golden Diners Program. A comprehensive fitness and wellness program is also offered utilizing nationally recognized evidence-based practices. In addition, resources are available that can link older adults and their caregivers to benefits and services. Call for up-to-date information and programming.

DFSS Satellite Senior Centers serve as a community focal points that connect seniors to social, recreational, economic, and educational resources that enhance the quality of their lives. Center activities may include classes, special events, trips and outings, and recreational activities. The centers serve a hot lunch daily, as part of the department's Golden Diners Program. A comprehensive fitness and wellness program is also offered utilizing nationally recognized evidence-based practices. In addition, resources are available that can link older adults and their caregivers to benefits and services. Call for up-to-date information and programming.

DFSS Satellite Senior Centers serve as a community focal points that connect seniors to social, recreational, economic, and educational resources that enhance the quality of their lives. Center activities may include classes, special events, trips and outings, and recreational activities. The centers serve a hot lunch daily, as part of the department's Golden Diners Program. A comprehensive fitness and wellness program is also offered utilizing nationally recognized evidence-based practices. In addition, resources are available that can link older adults and their caregivers to benefits and services. Call for up-to-date information and programming.

Chicago Hyde Park Village's mission is to help its members to remain in their homes and engaged in the community as they grow older, through education, volunteerism, and referrals. Membership benefits include: Concierge Services, Health and Wellness, Social and Cultural Opportunities, Transportation, etc.

Senior exercise classes are offered in the Regional and Satellite Centers as well as in Community Sites located throughout the city. The cost is a membership contribution of $16 for 6 months or $30 for a year. Even if participants are unable to contribute, they are still welcome in the program at any time.

DFSS Satellite Senior Centers serve as a community focal points that connect seniors to social, recreational, economic, and educational resources that enhance the quality of their lives. Center activities may include classes, special events, trips and outings, and recreational activities. The centers serve a hot lunch daily, as part of the department's Golden Diners Program. A comprehensive fitness and wellness program is also offered utilizing nationally recognized evidence-based practices. In addition, resources are available that can link older adults and their caregivers to benefits and services. Call for up-to-date information and programming.

DFSS Satellite Senior Centers serve as a community focal points that connect seniors to social, recreational, economic, and educational resources that enhance the quality of their lives. Center activities may include classes, special events, trips and outings, and recreational activities. The centers serve a hot lunch daily, as part of the department's Golden Diners Program. A comprehensive fitness and wellness program is also offered utilizing nationally recognized evidence-based practices. In addition, resources are available that can link older adults and their caregivers to benefits and services. Call for up-to-date information and programming.

For those ages 65+, there is assistance in enrolling for public assistance, and health insurance counseling is available to people of all ages. Call to set up an appointment and screening for eligibility. Independent living options can be found here: Casa Maravilla.

Rush Generations is a membership program for adults and caregivers that gives you access to a wealth of information and resources geared toward health and aging. They offer lectures by physicians and other experts at Rush, workshops on managing your health, mind-body enrichment seminars, exercise and computer classes and many other tools for enhancing your health and vitality.

The Kroc Community Center provides various senior fitness classes, social activities, special events, field trips, and services to enrich the quality of life for older adults. Each activity is designed to keep people involved on a daily basis as they live social and healthy lives in the Center. Reduced Senior (62+) membership rates start at $20 a month.

Silver Sneakers is a free fitness program encouraging older adults to participate in physical activities that will help them to maintain greater control of their health. Membership provides access to any participating gym location--including all amenities included with basic level access. Check if your health plan covers a free membership on their website.

Locations: 

LA Fitness
5224 S. Lake Park Ave. 
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 358-4228

Hyde Park JCC
5520 S. Hyde Park Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 753-3080

Planet Fitness
1301 E. 47th St.
Chicago IL, 60653
(773) 538-1010

LA Fitness
3435 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 821-7972

Planet Fitness
8301 S. Holland Dr.
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 488-8848

The Department’s Senior Services Area Agency on Aging administers a variety programs designed to address the diverse needs and interests of older Chicagoans, from those who are healthy and active, to those who are frail and homebound. The Southeast (Atlas) Center is one of six Regional Senior Centers that act as community focal points for information and assessment, and provide senior services in health, education and recreation. The Center serves seniors ages 60+, who can receive a free membership that will give them access to social clubs and activities.

A schedule of clubs is available at the site. The Center also participates in the City of Chicago's Golden Diners Program, which provides seniors ages 60+ with lunch and an opportunity to socialize everyday (Monday-Sunday, 11:30am-12:30pm), for a suggested $2.11 donation. Free fresh produce is available through Greater Chicago Food Depository on Wednesdays from 1-3pm.

In addition, the Center hosts a stress management support group for those who have problems dealing with the stress of life in all its forms.

Also, check out 79th St. Seniors, which is also located here!

 The Southwest Senior Center acts as community focal point for information and assessment, and provide senior services in health and fitness, education and recreation. It is geographically located to serve the following Chicago wards: 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 23rd wards. There are approximately 150 senior citizen groups and clubs that participate in programs at the Southwest Senior Center. The Center serves seniors ages 60+, who can receive a free membership that will give them access to social clubs and activities. It also participates in the City of Chicago's Golden Diners Program, which provides seniors ages 60+ with lunch and an opporutunity to socialize everyday (Monday-Sunday, 11:30am-12:30pm), for a suggested $2 donation. 

Yoga designed to increase strength, flexibility, and endurance as well as strengthen vital organs, the spine and emotional balance. Open to all, call in advance. Discounts available for seniors.

The Community Fitness Program at the Museum of Science and Industry boasts 60 to 80 members who regularly walk and do aerobic exercise in the museum's grand and safe confines. This free fitness program designed to encourage healthy fitness habits and help members of the community integrate a regular exercise program into their health routine and is open to all ages. An online registration application must be completed to join. 

More information on the Community Fitness Program

Chaturanga Holistic Fitness is an interdisciplinary fitness studio located in the heart of Hyde Park. Chaturanga means “four limbs,” a name that reflects our four areas of instruction:  yoga, pilates, meditation, and dance. Check the schedule for daily fitness classes for those at any level. Learn more about the benefit of each practice for your mind and body at the website.

The Chicago Park District’s new/improved fitness centers offer a high-quality, affordable alternative to private gyms. Membership rates range from $30-$60 for a three-month session. These centers feature state-of-the-art equipment such as computerized treadmills, cross trainers, upright bikes, recumbent bikes, free weights and benches, cable cross-overs, multi-station weight machines and core-focused weight equipment. Must register online or in person at your local Chicago Park. CPD also offers over 100 fitness classes for all ages, ranging from $15-25 per 10 sessions

The JCC Chicago together with Northwestern Movement Disorder Center is now offering Parkinson's Disease programming at Hyde Park JCC.  A monthly membership includes weekly exercise classes and a monthly support group.  Education events are also offered throughout the year.  Financial assistance is available.  For more information contact Emily Zivin ( [email protected], or call the number below). Programming information available at website.

Free cardio and strength training class meets on Wednesdays at 10:00am and Tai Chi Kung class meets on Thursdays at 11:00am. TRC also offers a fitness center that is free of charge for seniors who are 55+. 

DFSS Satellite Senior Centers serve as a community focal points that connect seniors to social, recreational, economic, and educational resources that enhance the quality of their lives. Center activities may include classes, special events, trips and outings, and recreational activities. The centers serve a hot lunch daily, as part of the department's Golden Diners Program. A comprehensive fitness and wellness program is also offered utilizing nationally recognized evidence-based practices. In addition, resources are available that can link older adults and their caregivers to benefits and services. Call for up-to-date information and programming.

An aerobic fitness program where participants follow choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination. Zumba Gold is a lower-intensity form of zumba specifially for older adults to improve cardiovascular functioning, muscles, flexibility, and balance. Call or see their website to find a Zumba Gold class near you.

DFSS Satellite Senior Centers serve as a community focal points that connect seniors to social, recreational, economic, and educational resources that enhance the quality of their lives. Center activities may include classes, special events, trips and outings, and recreational activities. The centers serve a hot lunch daily, as part of the department's Golden Diners Program. A comprehensive fitness and wellness program is also offered utilizing nationally recognized evidence-based practices. In addition, resources are available that can link older adults and their caregivers to benefits and services. Call for up-to-date information and programming.

DFSS Satellite Senior Centers serve as a community focal points that connect seniors to social, recreational, economic, and educational resources that enhance the quality of their lives. Center activities may include classes, special events, trips and outings, and recreational activities. The centers serve a hot lunch daily, as part of the department's Golden Diners Program. A comprehensive fitness and wellness program is also offered utilizing nationally recognized evidence-based practices. In addition, resources are available that can link older adults and their caregivers to benefits and services. Call for up-to-date information and programming.

A free website platform that provides daily live classes (including fitness, computers, finance, and more) and online community. Need help joining a class? Call the free Senior Planet Hotline (listed).